April 1798.

William Mainwaring< no role > Esquire
the Chairman laid before the Court a Letter from
His Grace the Duke of Portland inclosing a
Letter from Evan Nepean< no role > Esquire Secretary to the
Admiralty which were Read as follows Vizt.

"Whitehall , 14th. April 1798.

"Sir

"I send you inclosed the Copy
"if a Letter together with its Inclosure from Mr..
"Nepean to Mr.. Wickham relating to the Escape
"of the Mutineers from the House of Correction of
"the County of Middlesex , and expressing the
"Opinion of the Lords Commissioners of the
"Admiralty that great blame is to be attributed
"to the Person or Persons who were Charged with
"the Custody of these Prisoners, I have at the
"same time to request that you will Communi-
"-cate to the Magistrates who are now assembled
"with you my desire that they would direct
"the most diligent enquiry in their power to be
"made into the Conduct of the Keeper of that
"Prison, and his assistants on this Occasion
"and that they will Report to me the result of
"their Enquiry as soon as possible

"I am
"Sir
"Your most Obedient
"humble Servant.
"Portland."

"Willm.. Mainwaring< no role > Esqr . M. P."
"Chairman of the Quarter Sessions"
"for the County of Middlesex ".